As The Independent reported, British Airways has just finished chartering in the A340 for its Heathrow-Cairo link, normally operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

For 20 days from 15 September, flight BA73 from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi will be operated by the same Belgian airline. The aircraft will operate the inbound flight, BA72, for the same duration from 16 September.

British Airways, along with Norwegian and Virgin Atlantic, has 787s powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. Some of the planes are facing long spells on the ground due to unexpected maintenance needs.

A spokesperson for BA said: “We're doing everything we can to make sure our customers travel as planned, in light of continuing issues with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines which are affecting many airlines around the world.

“In order to fly as many customers as possible on their original dates of travel, we have leased an aircraft from Air Belgium.

“We are in touch with customers who are affected to offer them a range of options if they don't wish to continue with their booking.”

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British Airways’ first and premium economy classes are not available on the Air Belgium aircraft.

BA’s rival, Norwegian, is to axe its link between Gatwick and Singapore. The news emerged less than a year after the route started.